Cassandra has over 20 years of experience in data-driven strategy across the public and private sector. Their expertise includes community and economic development, emergency management, and the use of technology to build quality of life and resilience. In over five years at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Cassandra led multi-state disaster recovery strategies that resulted in increased resilience as well as increased awareness and adoption of building codes. For example, they directed identification of funds and technical assistance for the Stewart McKinney Shelter/Homeless Shelter for Single Men in Hartford, CT as part of an overall FEMA New England strategy during Covid-19. Most recently, Cassandra managed a 90+ person interdisciplinary department of planning, arts and culture, workforce development, economic development, and equity initiatives as the Director of Economic Development at the City of Providence, RI. Their tenure at the City included playing a leadership role in the bid that led to the designation of the Southeastern New England Ocean Tech Hub by the Department of Commerce, which included $1.25M in strategic investment from the agency. Cassandra additionally possesses expertise in grant writing and management, especially at the Federal level. A proud Stanford graduate, they also possess a MS in Transportation and Engineering Management from California State University, Maritime. Cassandra is a huge fan of live music, art and all things maritime, and on weekends, can find them reading, cooking, and thinking about climate and national security.